Let's adopt the GOP platform

LowDown

It comes from what purports to be an official document of the National Republican Party.

And — wow! — the policy positions it contains show that party leaders really are serious about coming to their senses and rejecting the plutocratic extremism and far-right wackiness that has stained their recent presidential, congressional and gubernatorial campaigns.

Right at the top, this 18-page manifesto proclaims that, "Our government was created by the people for all the people, and it must serve no less a purpose."

ALL the people! Forget last year's ridiculous pontifications by Mitt Romney and others dividing America into virtuous "creators" (like themselves) and worthless "moochers" (like you and me) — this document abounds with commitments to the common good.

"America does not prosper," it proudly proclaims on page three, "unless all Americans prosper."

Shazam — that's downright democratic!

And how's this for a complete turnaround: "Labor is the United States. The men and women, who with their minds, their hearts and hands, create the wealth that is shared in this country — they are America."

Holy Koch brothers, share the wealth?

Yes, and how about this: "The protection of the right of workers to organize into unions and to bargain collectively is the firm and permanent policy of the [Republican Party]."

The document also supports the Postal Service, the United Nations, equal rights for women, expanding our national parks, "vigorous enforcement of anti-trust laws," and raising the minimum wage. New enlightenment in the Grand Old Party. Hallelujah!

Can all this be true?

Yes, except it's not new. This document is the Republican Party Platform — of 1956.

Jim Hightower is the best-selling author ofSwim Against the Current: Even a Dead Fish Can Go With the Flow, on sale now from Wiley Publishing. For more information, visit jimhightower.com.